Assessment of Knowledge, attitude, and Practice of healthcare workers towards post- exposure prophylaxis hepatitis B virus in low resource setting

Background Hepatitis B virus infection in medical facilities has become a major health problem. Especially in resource-poor settings, healthcare workers are managing a huge number of hepatitis B virus-infected patients, which makes them more exposed to hepatitis B virus infection. This situation makes the use of post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus very important. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers towards post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health workers towards post-exposure prophylaxis hepatitis B virus at Wachamo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Hospital Methods A cross -sectional study was conducted among 422 healthcare workers from March to April 2025. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and entered and analyzed using SPSS-26. Logistic regression was used to determine any association and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings were summarized in percentages and presented in tables. Results A total of 400 responded: 167 (41.8%) male and 233 (58.2%) female in this study. Less than one-third of 134 (32.5%) healthcare workers had adequate knowledge about post-exposure prophylaxis. The majority of healthcare workers, 280 (70%), had a positive attitude towards post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus. From the study, participant 289 (72.3%) agreed importance of guidelines for HBV post-exposure prophylaxis in the workplace. A low proportion of respondents, 178 (44.5%), had been vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus. Among the respondents, 61.3% had hepatitis B virus risky conditions. 70 (77.5%) exposed health workers did not take PEP. Among respondents who didn’t take post-exposure prophylaxis, 50 (50.7%) stated that the reason for not taking PEP was due to being unaware of the existence of post-exposure prophylaxis services and protocols. Attending training (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6) was significantly associated with knowledge of post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B. Similarly, the positive attitude of healthcare workers regarding post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus was also significantly associated with having good knowledge (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.95, 5.78). Conclusions In conclusion, a significant proportion of study subjects had less knowledge and practice even though most of the respondents had a favorable attitude towards PEP. Therefore, a formal training center is recommended for all healthcare workers regarding post-exposure prophylaxis for HBV.